Tips on choosing an estate agent

[Keha]

We have a lot of local estate agents who all seem much of a muchness. Have had three valuations, very similar. Does anyone have any tips on picking an estate agent? What would you look out for or avoid?

Ones who are confident in their skills will not make you sign a contract greater than 8 weeks. Avoid the others.

Ask them to show you their TwentyEA insights stats versus the competition (see an old copy of the UK Property Market Stats show on YT - end section - to see example of this)

Also, ask how they manage the property pipeline once an offer is accepted, e.g. chasing solicitors, following up queries, etc. Do they use a high quality third party to do it or do they try and muddle through in-house.

Thank you, much appreciated

never met a normal estate agent! They're all just a bit odd I think it's the hard sell. Trying to make conversation with them feels like conversing with a (well dressed, in fairness) AI bot.

The big chains seem to be the most likely to try and rope you into all sorts of other nonsense - conveyancers/solicitors/surveyors/mortgage brokers etc all linked to or "recommended" by them, usually at higher charges than just contacting them yourself as the EA gets a kickback, so I'd be tempted to go for an individual company.

Not tying you into a long/detailed contract is good as the pp said but other than that they're all much of a muchness, and I'd just go with the cheapest as long as it has good enough google reviews. There are a few now who offer a standard price regardless of how much your house costs - I'd consider them, as the benefit if your house is expensive is it's usually much cheaper than someone charging 1-3% and if your house is low/mid price it's still usually about the same or slightly cheaper, with the advantage the EA doesn't prioritise more expensive properties because they give them more money.

Just don’t go for the ones that were featured on Panorama last year, just awful practices.

Look at your tuber moving home with Charlie, he has great advice on the whole process.

I'd ask how case progression is dealt with. This is what matters most once a sale is secured.

Having just exchanged this week, the communication from our agent and case progressor (3rd party) was truly awful. I'd want in house next time.

Look for professional photos - they make a world of difference.

I totally agree with the professional photos. We had an agent who used a professional, it made a big difference. The house didn't look like ours, it was made to look far better with little enhancements, plus a video walk through. Took 2 hours to do and the cost was included in the quoted price for selling. We had 3 full asking offers within 24 hours of going live. Agent was always helpful and available. We moved 6 weeks later (cash buyer).

IME, you get what you pay for.

When I had a difficult house to sell (not local to me, and in Stevenage) I employed the sharkiest, most expensive estate agent I could find. He sold it!. (OTOH, once the dust had settled, I vaguely recollect my solicitors were going to report him to his professional body, but I didn't care at that point.)

Good luck.

Have a look at their adverts on Rightmove. Do they include a clear floor plan? Are the photographs good? Ring up their office and leave a message and see how quickly they get back to you.

I agree about the sales progression. Do they have designated workers who purely fulfil this function?

They are all bloody crooks especially the ones who manage properties as well. If you get a bad one dont hesitate to leave frank reviews on the main sites. They have to register with a regulator to whom you can report any irregularities. Also check that they are registered on the HMRC anti money laundering database. This is a legal requirement and not too many people know about this If they aren't on it grass them up as it will mean a fine and a shed load of paperwork for them.

I paid close attention to how they interacted with prospective buyers and whether their "sales" patter sounded kmowledgeable/informed about the house they were selling. You can do this if you are also looking to buy in the same area. Some EAs couldnt even unlock the door of places we were supposed to be viewing, let alone answer "standard" questions. Another one ended up in a massive argument with owners that were splitting up (hence the sale) as one of the couple was at home and didnt want to let us in to view, it was just so unprofessional and should have been sorted out later without us being there.

Also ask who will be doing the viewings - is it them/another named individual? Or could it be anyone including temps/Saturday workers? How do they "vet" prosepective viewers? There are some EAs who will let anyone view regardless of finances/ability to proceed as they want to show how "on it" they are whereas the better ones will only allow viewings for people who could seriously buy your property, and likely have a list of potential buyers who are actively looking. I know someone else said to consider a set price fee to lower costs, but that doesnt incentivise them to get the best price for your property if they wont be personally any better off as a result of hard negotiating. We are London based and opted to pay % rather than set fee even though it ended up costing us a bit more, as we got a better price for our house.

Ditto comments asking about the management of sale progression (a good EA is crucial at times), looking up their portfolio on RightMove and the length of contract which you can ask to be reduced.

My experience is that they earn their money between offer and completion. In a world of phone-phobic people, find an EA who isn't afraid to pick up the phone and chase everybody- the squeaky wheel always gets the oil. Honestly, he annoyed the fuck out of me but he was bloody effective. Other considerations

• Is there one who is "known" for the area?
• Make sure they are on Rightmove.

Another filter includes removing any who cannot spell "accommodation" correctly (do a keyword search on RM for "accomodation or acommodation" ). It demonstrates a lack of pride or attention to detail that may presage your likely experience.

I'm not having a go at people who generally find spelling a challenge (I'm no better!). But this is one of the foremost important words in their business so they should know if off by heart or at least use a spell-checker before going public.

Agree with checking length of contract. I forgot last time and we were tied in for 2 years!!! Fortunately we sold quite quickly.

However, we found it to be an advantage to be with an agent who had other properties in the area. Someone would ask to view house a and they would offer them viewings at b and c too. And vice versa. It meant far more viewings.

Use Rightmove sold information to compare which agency has sold the most houses that are similar to yours, in your area.
As previously stated, negotiate their fee to the lowest going rate, and don't get tied to a lengthy contract.

If the photos are unprofessional you can see the shadows of the agent taking them.

If you negotiate down too far you get what you pay for. Monkies nuts come to mind.

Go view properties with them and see how they manage viewings and enquiries and follow up.

Completely agree about calling them. Some just don’t pick up or return calls! Very poor.

Thank you all, lots of excellent advice to consider!